Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)

About 90% of all people who suffer from COPD either smoke or have smoked. The preventive measure which is most effective in keeping COPD at bay is to not smoke, or to give up smoking. The combination of a cessation program and nicotine replacement therapy can help when people decide to give up smoking.

Since pollutants in the environment or in the workplace can also favour COPD, it is important to avoid particulate matter, exhaust gases or chemicals as much as possible, or to adopt consistent protective measures.

Regular physical activity supports the respiratory and cardiovascular systems in becoming stronger, and causes you to become more resistant to colds and flu.

A well-adjusted medicinal asthma therapy prevents recurrent inflammation of the bronchial tubes.

Get vaccinated against influenza in good time before the flu season. The best time is between mid-October and mid-November. A pneumococcal vaccine against a common pathogen of pneumonia is recommended as well.

Shortness of breath during physical exercise; with advanced COPD, shortness of breath already in a resting state

Daily cough with sputum for a long period of time

Noises such as whistling and snoring when breathing

Increased symptoms when sick with the cold or flu

Taking medication in the form of inhalation or tablets that are designed to dilate the airways or are anti-inflammatory

Breathing exercises and breathing therapy can strengthen the respiratory muscles as well as improve respiration and the expectoration of mucus. There are breathing techniques, coughing techniques, postures and mechanical devices that make everyday life with COPD easier. Information is available from the Lungenliga Schweiz (Pulmonary League Switzerland).

Regular physical training is often easier in a group. Qualified trainers can also check to make sure that the exercises are done properly and at an intensity that matches your capacity. For example, pulmonary sport courses are also offered by the Lungenliga Schweiz (Pulmonary League Switzerland) in your region.

For persons with advanced COPD, oxygen therapy may be advised for support.

For patients who could not be helped by other treatments, an operation is sometimes an option. In case of lung volume reduction, the diseased, over-inflated parts of the lungs are removed. This way, healthy areas should be able to fulfil their function better again.

In patients who are underweight or have had a severe weight loss, nutritional therapy can help to support the increased physical energy demands.

Only the cessation of smoking can slow down the further destruction of the lungs. It is therefore worthwhile to quit smoking at any stage of the disease.

Those affected with COPD are usually prescribed permanent medication to strengthen the lung function as well as to postpone secondary diseases and other complications. It is therefore essential to follow the instructions of your family doctor.